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Rennes has one of the most interesting festival calendars of any mid-sized French city, anchored by two internationally recognised events: Les Tombees de la Nuit in July and Trans Musicales in December. The city’s strong Breton cultural identity also means you will find fest-noz (traditional dance parties), Celtic music events, and food festivals throughout the year. Most events are concentrated in the city centre and are accessible on foot or via the efficient Metro system. Here is a month-by-month guide to Rennes’ key events and festivals. Rennes weather by month
Rennes Events in January and February: Quiet Season
January is a quiet month in Rennes after the holiday season. Most venues programme regular theatre, concerts, and exhibitions but there are no major festivals. The soldes d’hiver (winter sales) run from the second week of January through mid-February, with discounts of 30 to 50 percent in shops across the centre. In February, the Festival Travelling is the main draw: this film festival, usually running over 10 days mid-month, focuses on a different city or region each year and screens 50 to 70 films at the Cinemas Arvor and TNB. Tickets are around 5 to 7 euros per screening. The festival has been running since 1990 and draws 15,000 attendees. For a full overview, see our Rennes travel guide.
Rennes Events in March and April: Spring Awakening
The Mythos Festival in early April is Rennes’ festival of words and storytelling, running for 10 days across venues including the Theatre National de Bretagne (TNB), the Opera de Rennes, and smaller bars and cafes. The programme mixes spoken-word performances, concerts, comedy, and literary events. Individual show tickets cost 10 to 25 euros, and several free street performances happen on weekends. The festival draws about 25,000 attendees. In late March or early April (dates vary by year), the Fete du Musee des Beaux-Arts offers free entry to the museum with special guided tours and workshops for children. best time to visit Rennes
Rennes Events in May and June: Outdoor Season Begins
Rock’n Solex in mid-May is a uniquely Rennes event: a festival organised by the students of INSA Rennes engineering school where competitors race modified Solex moped bicycles, alongside concerts headlined by major French and international acts. The festival runs two to three days at the INSA campus with tickets around 15 to 20 euros. Les Mercredis du Thabor starts in mid-June and runs weekly on Wednesday evenings through late July, offering free open-air concerts in the Parc du Thabor’s bandstand. Genres range from classical to jazz to Breton folk. Bring a picnic and arrive early for a good spot; concerts start at 8:00 pm. The Fete de la Musique on June 21 fills the city with free music performances on every street corner, from amateur buskers to professional acts on official stages, running well past midnight. things to do in Rennes
Rennes Events in July and August: Summer Highlights
Les Tombees de la Nuit in July is Rennes’ flagship cultural event, running for about 10 days and transforming the city into an open-air stage. The festival programmes 30 to 40 free performances including theatre, dance, circus, installations, and concerts in streets, courtyards, parks, and unexpected corners of the city. Expect to stumble upon performances in places you would never think to look, from a former prison courtyard to the rooftop of a parking garage. The festival draws over 100,000 attendees and most events are free. Pick up a programme at the Tourist Office. Les Mercredis du Thabor continues through late July. On July 14 (Bastille Day), there is a fireworks display over the Vilaine River and the Parc du Thabor, typically starting at 11:00 pm. best neighborhoods in Rennes
Rennes Events in September and October: Autumn Culture
The Journees Europeennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) take place on the third weekend of September. Many normally closed buildings open to the public for free, including the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) inside the 18th-century Hotel de Blossac, the Prefecture, and private mansions. Expect queues at the most popular sites; start early. In early October, the Festival Grand Soufflet brings accordion and wind-instrument music to venues across the city over four days. Tickets run 10 to 20 euros. The Fete de la Science in mid-October offers free workshops, demonstrations, and talks at Les Champs Libres and the university campuses, great for families with children. where to stay in Rennes
Rennes Events in November and December: Festival Season
Yaouank in mid-November is Brittany’s biggest fest-noz festival, celebrating traditional Breton music and dance over two weeks of concerts, workshops, and the giant fest-noz finale at the Parc des Expositions that draws 8,000 to 10,000 dancers. You do not need to know the dances; people will teach you. Tickets for the finale are around 15 euros. The Trans Musicales in early December is one of Europe’s most important music discovery festivals. Running since 1979, it programmes 50 to 60 mostly unknown or emerging artists across multiple venues including the Parc Expo, the Ubu club, and the Liberte hall. Many past performers including Daft Punk, Nirvana, and Bjork played Trans Musicales before they were famous. A three-day pass costs about 75 euros. The Christmas market runs from late November through December 24 on Place de la Mairie and Place du Parlement, with 30 to 40 wooden chalets selling crafts, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and regional food products. Rennes travel tips and FAQ
